I'll take the rain over the snow any day

If you've read my intro, you know that I have lived for long periods in Ontario, Nova Scotia and Alberta. All of those provinces have hellish winters. Not because of anything to do with them, specifically. But because they are not on Vancouver Island. The mountains on the west coast of BC create a barrier for the island so we get the warm Pacific air and water streams and consequently snow is pretty rare out here. It does happen, but nowhere near the 20-50cms that routinely get dumped on the rest of Canada.

It has been raining for days now, and the temperature rarely goes below zero. On one hand, it is easy to get stuck in the doldrums and think this place is miserable. But then I realize it is the end of January. I have seen no snow, I am usually in my backyard with a hoodie at max, but typically just a shirt if I'm not going anywhere. So, in fact, it is great and not doldrummy at all. My dogs are also happy to not have to contend with ice packed backyards as well, although I doubt that they understand this is winter and is different than they are used to.

My eastern friends and family like to tell me I am "bragging" about the weather, to which I say two things: I am not in control of the weather, and I am allowed to brag because the move here wasn't some fluke. I did not win the lottery. I did not get some job that moved me out here. I spent a ton of money and time to move my entire life here. I have, in a sense, earned this, so suck it.

I am going for a walk downtown now because I can 😀

The family

It’s not even cold but if you put a heated blanket down and leave it unattended, this is what happens in our house!

Records and CDs and casettes and videos

This store…Fascinating Rhythm I think…just goes on and on and on. You could get lost in here for hours.